Avalanche forecast

Uintas

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

In the wind zone, at and above treeline, you'll find pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger. Human triggered avalanches are possible, especially on steep, wind drifted slopes facing the north half of the compass. Remember... even a small avalanche can easily result in a season ending, traumatic injury.

LOW avalanche danger is found on low angle, wind sheltered terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Recent strong winds coupled with very warm temperatures have worked the surface snow, essentially welding it in place. Michael J submitted the image above, suggesting a midpack weak layer and that's where his stability test revealed a shear. The good news is... this instability is becoming less reactive and the chances of triggering a slide become less likely over time. The bad news... the season ending consequences remain just as severe if you do trigger a avalanche, especially if you slam into an object like a stump or deadfall that's barely hidden under our thin snowpack. However, the equation is easy... for today, you'll want to look for and avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if it sounds hollow like a drum.

Special Announcement

Huge thanks and a big shout out to two leaders in the industry... (nope I'm not talking about Mark and I :)

More importantly- for the past 15 seasons, Tri-City Performance and Polaris have provided loaner sleds to the UAC and this year was no different. This partnership enables us to perform our field days, get into the same kind of terrain and see the same type of snow our customers are riding, and continue delivering the high caliber forecasts you've come to expect from the Avalanche Center. Bottom line... this partnership helps save lives and for that we are grateful!

Recent Activity

No new avalanche activity to report, but there's just enough snow to ride and of course, enough snow to slide. Steep terrain like this roadside attraction near Wolf Creek Pass pictured above, is the exact type of terrain where we could trigger an avalanche today. And remember- even a small avalanche this time of year will instantly end your season if you slam into a rock, or stump, or get raked through deadfall. But that doesn't mean you can't ride, you just need to tone it down a few notches. As a matter of fact, you can still have a blast on lower angle terrain.

To view trip reports and recent avalanche activity, simply click here.

Snow and Weather

Nowcast-

High pressure over the region produces clear skies and the warmest morning of the week with current temperatures hovering in the mid to upper 30's. South and southeast winds blow in the 20's and 30's along the high ridges. The recent heat wave is taking its toll on the snowpack and total snow depths are right around two feet. And while there's just enough snow to move around on, it's still pretty boney out there.

Forecast-

A mild southwest flow gives us sunny skies with high temperatures soaring into the 50's. Southerly winds increase throughout the day and should crank into the 60's by days end.

Futurecast-

Winds blast the ridges tonight, gusting 70-90 mph and a weak disturbance slides through the region late Wednesday into Thursday bringing cooler temperatures and a chance for light snow. Weak storms clip the region through the rest of the week.

Looking for real-time temps, snow, or wind?

Click here and then on the "western Uinta" tab for western Uinta specific, weather station network.

Additional Info

I'll update this information as conditions warrant and the snowpack develops. Once we get rolling and winter gets going in earnest, you can expect detailed daily avalanche advisories updated by 7:00 AM.

Your observations are import, so please let me know what you're seeing... click HERE and contribute to this amazing community based program

Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

Skiing and riding at closed ski resorts - Some resorts allow access now, and some do not. Please check HERE for the latest info on ski area access.

New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.

General Announcements

If you see or trigger an avalanche or just wanna let me know what you're seeing you can reach me directly at 801-231-2170 or [email protected]

The information in this forecast is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content.

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